It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the Valparaiso Crusaders (12-8, 5-2 MVC) welcome the Drake Bulldogs (15-5, 4-3 MVC) to the Athletics-Recreation Center. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 26, 2019.
Drake Bulldogs vs. Valparaiso Crusaders Betting Prediction
The last time the Bulldogs played, they beat the Evansville Aces, 78-66. The Bulldogs held the Aces to an offensive rebounding percentage of 6.3 (below their season average of 19.0) and had a turnover percentage of 11.7 (better than their season average of 17.2). Drake rallied around Nick McGlynn, who was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
The Crusaders fell to the Indiana State Sycamores in their last matchup, 70-53. Indiana State’s 12.3 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Valparaiso, who had a rate of 21.2. The Sycamores’ mark was better than their season average of 17.6, while the Crusaders’ was above their season average of 17.3. With 10 points and seven rebounds, Deion Lavender put together a solid game for Valparaiso.
After the Crusaders won both games against the Bulldogs last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, Valparaiso won 69-64. The Crusaders’ 33.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Bulldogs, who had a rate of 20.0.
The sharp-shooting offense of Drake (25th in the country with an effective field goal percentage 0.557) will square off against the mid-tier defense of Valparaiso (134th in effective field goal percentage allowed 0.493). The Bulldogs should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Drake vs. Valparaiso Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Valparaiso, ATS Winner – Drake, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Drake ranks 69th in three pointers attempted per game (25.3) while Valparaiso ranks 237th (19.7).
The Bulldogs rank 18th in assists allowed per game (10.3) while the Crusaders rank 84th (12.3).
Valparaiso ranks 139th in steals per game (6.0) while Drake ranks 184th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
The Crusaders rank 32nd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Bulldogs rank 61st (2.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.8, up from 7.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Crusaders have scored an average of 61.6 points per game (9.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.6 points per game (3.8 below their season average).
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